September 16, 2007

Last night I saw the Don alive and well

Last Thursday night, before the parent-teacher meeting at daycare, I dropped by the evil capitalist empire, Starbucks, for a decaf. Parked before the door was the most elegant automobile in the history of automobile manufacturing, the 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. The classic subtle divot in front of the rear wheel well distinguishes the design and put it at the height of my automobile fantasy. Sadly, 1979 brought a redesign removing this unique style element and it was made much smaller, thus destroying the beauty forever. Depicted above is not the actual car; the actual vehicle was white and pristine all around. White, perfect chrome details and black interior. I looked around the car keeping a good 5 feet from it.

I know, I know, gas guzzler, energy abuser, not green, etc. But this, for better or worse, is the quintessential vehicle of this country. No other will ever come close to it's stately appearance (and 4-barrel power).

I dragged myself away, removed the drool from my face, walked in and knew the man walking toward me was the owner. He was in his 60-70's, tastefully dressed in black, had thinning and (lightly) slicked back hair carrying a cappuccino to his table. I asked if it was his car. Quietly and proudly he said it was. I complimented him on it. He looked pleased, smiled and sat down. I felt like asking for a ride.

6 comments:

oh, Dave, Dave...As I clicked into you're blog, I was thinking "I wonder how Dave's handling his Starbucks boycott...

On the car note:Ive heard it's an American thing, this tie we American men seem to have to one car or another. For me, it's not an American car, though. For me, it's the '61 Jag XKE convertible. any year (except the screwed up '74) will do, though, preferably in red with a black top, though British racing green with a buckskin top will do...'scuse me, gotta wipes droiool offkeeyebroardd

Funny you mention the jag. When I was paper route age (about 12), I was absolutely fascinated between ANY Jaguar and the Eldorado. My interest in the Jag just waned over the years and I became a fan of the big floppy overpowered Detroit machines. Still love them.